Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, has been recognized by the American magazine Condé Nast Traveler as one of the world’s 24 best places to visit in 2024. This acknowledgment is based on the city’s hotels, fine dining, vibrant entertainment, and splendid architecture.
Quito’s architecture is a blend of Indigenous, Spanish colonial, and modern influences, creating a tapestry of history woven through its streets and avenues. The city’s architectural diversity is a feast for the eyes, with each structure telling a story of Quito’s evolution from its pre-Columbian roots to its contemporary skyline.
One of the standout architectural marvels in Quito is La Compañía Church, known as Quito’s most ornate church. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in the city’s “Old Town” and showcases a fusion of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish, and Indigenous art. The church’s intricate façade, adorned with ornate carvings and sculptures, is a stunning example of Spanish Baroque architecture.
Another architectural gem in Quito is the Basilica de Voto Nacional, a Neo-Gothic basilica considered one of the most important churches in the city. Its exterior, inspired by Notre Dame in Paris, features animals from the Ecuadoran jungle and the Galapagos Islands. The church’s towers, standing at 375 feet high, offer a spectacular view of the city.
Quito’s architectural wonders also include Independence Square, the modernistic IQON tower, the Monument to the Equator, the Virgin of El Panecillo statue, and the San Francisco Church, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture.
The city’s commitment to preserving its architectural heritage while embracing modern design is evident in its unique blend of historic and contemporary structures. Quito offers visitors a one-of-a-kind experience, where the past and present coexist harmoniously in a city rich with architectural diversity.